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Columbia wedded to 'Reliable Wife'

Studio snaps up rights to Robert Goolrick novel

Columbia has acquired rights to Robert Goolrick's novel "The Reliable Wife," which hits shelves March 31. The Gotham Group repped the sale for the author.

Sony-based Michael De Luca is attached to produce. De Luca Prods. exec Josh Bratman brought in the book.

Set in rural Wisconsin in 1908, the book centers on a middle-aged widower who places a newspaper ad seeking "a reliable wife." Instead of fielding a homely applicant, the man finds himself welcoming a gorgeous former courtesan with an agenda of her own.

"Wife" was named as the top pick for the ALA's April Indie List.

Gotham has "Spanking Shakespeare" in development at MTV Films.

Columbia recently released "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," which has grossed $134 million domestically. De Luca is producing "Moneyball," with Brad Pitt starring and Steven Soderbergh directing, for the studio.